When service members transition back to civilian life, they’re often seeking more than a job—they seek a meaningful, stable career with a purpose. That’s why roofing careers for veterans can be a great option when service is up.
Are you aware that the State of Illinois offers
At Pro-Home Services, we’ve seen firsthand how veterans bring incredible dedication and leadership to our crews. If you’re a veteran figuring out your next move, we invite you to consider a roofing career, potentially even with us at Pro Home Services.
Why? Here are our five best reasons.
- Roofing careers for veterans are a purposeful pursuit.
After serving your country, it’s natural to want a job that continues to make a difference. Roofing protects homes, families, and communities. Every roof you install or repair keeps people safe and comfortable, giving you a sense of purpose and a feeling of satisfaction that your work will matter for years to come.
- Roofing is done in a team environment.
You probably already thrive in a setting where you work with a small group of others towards a single mission. You understand the importance of clear communication, mutual trust, and precision to carry out a mission safely and swiftly. Teamwork is a large part of a successful roofing, just like it is for military units. It’s one main reason roofing careers are a good choice for veterans. Together with your crew, you work towards completion of the mission.
- Roofing is physical, hands-on work.
Roofing careers for veterans get you working outdoors and seeing visible results from your efforts. It’s a great option for veterans who prefer to work with their hands rather than sit behind a desk.
- Roofing is in steady demand and provides job security.
Everyone has a roof, so roofers are always needed. Roofing careers for veterans are also expanding. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of roofers will grow by six percent from 2024 to 2034, which is faster than the average growth rate across all occupations. You can expect steady work, advancement opportunities, and a clear career path from apprentice to crew leader or project manager.
- Roofing careers for veterans provide a path to business ownership.
Think you have what it takes to be your own boss? The roofing trade offers opportunities to learn a trade and eventually branch out and start your own business. You already have entrepreneurial skills from your time in the military –leadership, discipline, logistics, and a strong work ethic. Roofing careers for veterans offer unlimited opportunity to eventually earn your own contractor license and open your own business.
Getting Started
If you’re a veteran interested in the roofing business, it’s easy to take the first step. There are training opportunities tailored to roofing careers for veterans, both nationally and in the State of Illinois, from formal programs to more general knowledge training. Here are some varied paths to roofing careers for veterans that you can consider and choose.
- GAF
GAF, one of the largest manufacturers of roofing shingles, is now accredited by the Department of Defense SkillBridge Program to help train veterans in roofing careers. Skillbridge is a national, tuition-free national training program that combines classroom and hands-on work for residential and commercial roofing. As one former U.S. army sergeant said about his transition to roofing, “It’s rewarding to be able to look at something after you finish it and say, I did that.” To learn more about GAF’s program and their pathway to roofing careers for veterans, visit the GAF Roofing Academy Page.
- Community Colleges/Training Programs
Many educational institutions offer “construction training” or “construction preparation programs” to earn certifications which will help with either roofing careers for veterans, or entry into other trades such as carpentry, electrical and plumbing. For programs that charge tuition, veterans may also be eligible to use GI Bill® benefits for these programs. Check them out!
Richland Community College, Decatur, IL – prepares students with basic knowledge in carpentry, electrical, plumbing, roofing, and more.
lllinois Works Pre-apprenticeship Program, Southwestern Illinois College, East St. Louis, IL – Free, 10-week long program with an emphasis on veterans. For those interested in construction and building trades. Earn a Basic Construction certificate. Prepares you for entry into a union apprenticeship.
Heartland Community College, Normal, IL Construction Program, Normal, IL – Earn a Construction Skills Certificate and earn 16 credit hours on topics relevant to roofing such as construction materials and methods, estimating and scheduling, OSHA, etc.
- Chicagoland Roofer’s join Apprenticeship and Training Program, Indian Head Park, IL – a 5-year union apprenticeship program of classroom and hands-on training for National Roofing Contractors Association Roofers Local #11. Approved by the Veterans’ Administration for VA school benefits.
- On-the-Job Training
Depending on your existing skills and knowledge, on-the-job training may be available to you, with or without prerequisites. Some roofing companies may require certification from manufacturers or a specific internal training program. If you are interested in roofing careers for veterans at a certain local roofing contractor, the best thing to do is reach out and ask. At Pro-Home Services, we actively serve the western suburbs of Chicago and are open to working with veterans on a pathway to a career in roofing.
Regardless of the path you take, the roofing industry provides opportunities to grow, learn, and succeed — all while serving your community in a tangible, critical way. Are you ready for a career in roofing? We’re proud to serve homeowners — and support veterans — across the Chicagoland area. Contact us at 630-790-0800.